Natural Resources Job Board

Contribute to the long-term ecological study of black-throated blue warblers that we have run continuously for 40+ years at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in the stunning White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. In collaboration with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, Vermont Center for Ecostudies, and Dartmouth College, current research focuses on the effects of changing seasonality on breeding behavior as well as other topics on the ecology of these birds. The field crew is largely composed of undergraduates participating in the Hubbard Brook Field Ornithology Program, with many opportunities for mentorship and research collaboration to enrich your experience.

 

Applicants should have experience setting up mist-nets independently to capture songbirds using passive and target netting techniques. Prior experience color banding and obtaining blood samples from songbirds from the brachial vein, collecting molt measurements, and deploying radio transmitters will be especially valuable. Additional experience nest searching is preferred. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and U.S. bank account. Crew members will be collecting data for multiple research projects on Black-throated Blue Warblers and will be expected to be active participants in all aspects of this bird research. The position involves color band resighting, nest searching, territory mapping, behavioral observations, song recording, video recording and transcription of parental care, insect and small mammal surveys, and measuring vegetation. Other opportunities may include the set-up and maintenance of radio towers and hand-tracking fledglings. We are seeking applicants with good color vision, the ability to hike and work alone in remote, rugged, and steep terrain, with an interest in avian ecology.

 

Field work starts May 1st but the start date is flexible from May 5th to June 1st and continues through late August (end date flexible). Expenses for lakeside housing on the beautiful Likens Conservation Campus at Mirror Lake, including wifi and utilities, will be covered by the project and a stipend of $2800/month. Many opportunities for exceptional hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and birding can be found in the immediate area. 

 

Please contact Dr. Sara Kaiser (sak275@cornell.edu) with any questions. To apply, send a brief cover letter describing your interest and experience, CV, and the contact information for 2 references (combined as one PDF) that can comment on your field experience to Dr. Todd Jones at (jonestm@si.edu). Applications will be reviewed as they are received.